Web-based data collection: an effective strategy for increasing African Americans' participation in health-related research.

The study sought to explore response modes (via web-based vs paper surveys) and rates to a follow-up health questionnaire and to examine respondent characteristics by response modes. 192 young adult African Americans responded online or by paper. We found observable differences in follow-up responses, with more participants completing the online version first. No statistical differences were revealed in response modes based on academic discipline, sex, income or health status. The 60% followup response rate supports web-based data collection as a viable means of assessing health information from African Americans. This research provides evidence of the Internet as a viable alternative for increasing participation of young African American adults, a relatively understudied group, to obtain data on health status and behaviors, over time.

Sex differences in perceived weight-based stigmatization among African Americans.

This study examined sex differences in calculated and perceived weights and weight-based stigmatization. 371 African Americans (females=258) responded to a health and wellness survey. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight and categorized as underweight (7.0%), normal (48.2%), overweight (29.9%), and obese (14.8%). Perceived weight was measured by asking participants, "Do you consider yourself to be overweight?" Responses were then dichotomized as accurate or inaccurate. Stigmatization was constructed from 16 statements regarding perceived treatment due to weight status. Males and females differed in their perceptions of their weights. More than 20% of the participants had inaccurate perceptions of their weights, with the majority of the inaccurate participants (82.5%) perceiving their weight status lower than their actual weight status. More overweight or obese males than overweight or obese females did not perceive themselves as overweight (60.3% vs. 28.3%, respectively, P <.001). While male and female perceptions of weight-based stigmatization were not statistically different (P = .071), participants who accurately perceived themselves to be overweight had higher perceived weight-based stigma scores than inaccurate participants who were overweight (P =.001). Males and females who were inaccurate were less likely to perceive weight-based stigmatization.

College-age, African-American males' misperceptions about weight status, body size, and shape.

This study examined actual and perceived weight status and body satisfaction of college-age African-American males. We predicted that, in general, males would be accurate about their weight status and satisfied with their body sizes and shapes. The study population was 123 male from a cross-sectional survey of 406 seniors who were scheduled to graduate in the spring 2003 from a historically Black university located in the mid-Atlantic region. These students were administered a survey on health and wellness that addressed a myriad of health concerns, most of which addressed weight, exercise, and related areas. This paper presents analyses on males who were overweight or obese according to the National Institutes of Health guidelines (body mass index > or = 25 kg/m2). 50.4% were overweight or obese (OW/O). Of the OW/O males, 59.7% inaccurately classified their own weight status as normal and chose ideal weights (F(2,59)=3.8, P<.04) and healthy weights (F(2,59)=8.0, P<.001) that were heavier than males with accurate weight perceptions. Specifically, OW/O males desired larger upper torsos (chi2=7.2, df=1, P<.01) and larger body parts (ie, arms, legs, chest area; F(2,59)=11.0, P<.0001). Inaccurate, overweight males were less likely to agree that losing weight supported healthiness (chi2=26.5, df=4, P<.001) or that losing weight would make them more attractive (chi2=14.4, df=4, P<.01). These findings point to the need for effective interventions and strategies for helping those affected and those interested in overweight prevention to understand the role of weight perception, body satisfaction, and their influence on weight loss and lifestyle changes for health.

The electroolfactogram: a review of its history and uses.

The electroolfactogram (EOG) is a negative electrical potential recorded at the surface of the olfactory epithelium of vertebrates. It represents primarily, if not exclusively, the summated generator potential in the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). While a number of studies suggest that secretory or inhibitory events may also contribute to the EOG, these are not well established. This review outlines (1) the cellular and physiological nature of the EOG response; (2) methodological considerations regarding odor selection and delivery, surgical preparation, response descriptions, and analysis; and (3) application of the EOG in human, fish, and insect olfaction and pheromonal responsivity. A number of technical issues associated with EOG recording are also discussed.